Question

A 71-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer is found dead in bed at home. He had been seen by his GP several times in the last month and was on a palliative care register. There is no suggestion of trauma or suspicious circumstances. As his GP, what should you do regarding certification of death?

Accepted Answer

Complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death if you can state a likely cause and you have attended him during his final illness

Answer

Refuse to issue a death certificate and automatically refer to the coroner

Answer

Ask the family to obtain a certificate from the funeral director

Answer

Guess a cause of death even if you have no knowledge of his medical history

Answer

Always refer all cancer deaths to the coroner

Practice question

A 71-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer is found dead in bed at home. He had been seen by his GP several times in the last month and was on a palliative care register. There is no suggestion of trauma or suspicious circumstances. As his GP, what should you do regarding certification of death?